U.S. patent application number 10/591590 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system, and electronic-device housing apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hiromasa Hada, Hiromitsu Ichikawa, Takao Kokubu.
Application Number | 20070169865 10/591590 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34909090 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070169865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ichikawa; Hiromitsu ; et
al. |
July 26, 2007 |
Pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system, and
electronic-device housing apparatus
Abstract
A pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system according
to the present invention includes: an electronic-device housing
apparatus 30, which houses the electronic device, and which
includes an engaging convex portion 32 that is convex; and an
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12, which is provided
on an inner surface of the pneumatic tire, and which includes an
engaging concave portion that is concave. First pullout suppression
means which suppresses pullout of the engaging convex portion from
the engaging concave portion is provided on at least a part of a
surface of the engaging convex portion, and second pullout
suppression means which engages with the first pullout suppression
means is provided on at least a part of a surface of the engaging
concave portion. According to the present invention, it becomes
possible to provide a pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing
system, a pneumatic tire, and an electronic-device housing
apparatus, which are capable of securely fixing the
pneumatic-tire-use electronic device, and also capable of
suppressing breakage of a fixing portion for fixing a
pneumatic-tire-use electronic device.
Inventors: |
Ichikawa; Hiromitsu; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Hada; Hiromasa; (Tokyo, JP) ; Kokubu;
Takao; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
10-1, KYOBASHI 1-CHOME CHUO-KU
TOKYO
JP
104-8340
|
Family ID: |
34909090 |
Appl. No.: |
10/591590 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
March 2, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP05/03478 |
371 Date: |
September 5, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
152/152.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60C 23/0493 20130101;
B60C 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
152/152.1 |
International
Class: |
B60C 19/00 20060101
B60C019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 2, 2004 |
JP |
2004-058063 |
Claims
1. A pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system for fixing
an electronic device to be mounted on a pneumatic tire, the
pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system comprising: an
electronic-device housing apparatus, which houses the electronic
device, and which includes an engaging convex portion that is
convex; and an electronic-device housing apparatus support, which
is provided on an inner surface of the pneumatic tire, and which
includes an engaging concave portion that is concave, wherein: at
least a part of a surface of the engaging convex portion includes a
first zigzag region formed in a zigzag; at least a part of a
surface of the engaging concave portion includes a second zigzag
region formed in a zigzag, and the second zigzag region engaging
with the first zigzag region; and the first zigzag region forms: a
sloping portion tapering in a direction in which the engaging
convex portion is inserted into the engaging concave portion; and a
pullout suppression portion continuing to the sloping portion and
being at an acute angle to a direction in which the engaging convex
portion is pulled out from the engaging concave portion.
2. (canceled)
3. The pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system according
to claim 1, wherein: the engaging convex portion includes a first
insertion hole; the engaging concave portion includes a second
insertion hole communicating with the first insertion hole, the
pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system further
comprising a lock pin to be inserted into the first and second
insertion holes which have been made to communicate with each
other.
4. The pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system according
to claim 1, wherein the electronic-device housing apparatus support
is a rubber body provided inside the pneumatic tire inward of an
inner liner of the pneumatic tire.
5. The pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system according
to claim 1, wherein the electronic-device housing apparatus support
is provided on the pneumatic tire in steps of molding and
vulcanizing the pneumatic tire.
6. A pneumatic tire comprising an electronic-device housing
apparatus support which supports an electronic device housing
apparatus having an engaging convex portion that is convex,
wherein: the electronic-device housing apparatus support is
provided on an inner surface of the pneumatic tire, and includes an
engaging concave portion that is concave; at least a part of a
surface of the engaging concave portion includes a zigzag region
formed in a zigzag, the zigzag region engaging with the engaging
convex portion: and the zigzag region forms: a sloping portion
tapering in a direction in which the engaging convex portion is
inserted into the engaging concave portion; and a pullout
suppression portion continuing to the sloping portion, and being at
an acute angle to a direction in which the engaging convex portion
is pulled out from the engaging concave portion.
7. (canceled)
8. The pneumatic tire according to claim 6, wherein the
electronic-device housing apparatus support is a rubber body
provided inside the pneumatic tire inward of an inner liner of the
pneumatic tire.
9. The pneumatic tire according to claim 6, wherein the
electronic-device housing apparatus support is provided on the
pneumatic tire in steps of molding and vulcanizing the pneumatic
tire.
10. An electronic-device housing apparatus, which is supported by
an electronic-device housing apparatus support including an
engaging concave portion provided on a pneumatic tire, and which
houses an electronic device to be mounted on the pneumatic tire,
the electronic-device housing apparatus comprising an engaging
convex portion that is convex, wherein: at least a part of a
surface of the engaging convex portion includes a zigzag region
formed in a zigzag; and the zigzag region forms: a sloping portion
tapering in a direction in which the engaging convex portion is
inserted into the engaging concave portion; and a pullout
suppression portion continuing to the sloping portion and being at
an acute angle to a direction in which the engaging convex portion
is pulled out from the engaging concave portion.
11. (canceled)
12. The electronic device housing apparatus according to claim 10,
wherein: the engaging convex portion includes a first insertion
hole; the engaging concave portion includes a second insertion hole
communicating with the first insertion hole; and the
electronic-device housing apparatus is fixed by a lock pin inserted
into the first and second insertion holes which have been made to
communicate with each other.
13. The pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system
according to claim 1, wherein: the first zigzag region and the
second zigzag region engage with each other by having the engaging
convex portion press-fitted into the engaging concave portion,
14. The pneumatic tire according to claim 6, wherein: at least a
part of the surface of the engaging convex portion is formed in a
zigzag: and the zigzag region and the engaging convex portion
engage with each other by having the engaging convex portion
press-fitted into the engaging concave portion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to: a pneumatic-tire-use
electronic-device fixing system for fixing an electronic device
mounted on a pneumatic tire; a pneumatic tire provided with an
electronic-device housing apparatus support for supporting an
electronic-device housing apparatus which houses the electronic
device; and the electronic-device housing apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, there have been developed technologies for
mounting, on a pneumatic tire, an electronic device (hereinafter,
referred to as a pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device) such as: a
sensor, which measures an internal pressure or an internal
temperature of the pneumatic tire; and which transmits a result of
the measurement to a vehicle via radio communications; or an IC
chip which stores, for example, information on management by a
manufacturer of the pneumatic tire (for example, Published Japanese
Translation of a PCT Application No. 2002-50276 (pp. 11-13, and
FIGS. 1 to 3).
[0003] In a case where an electronic device is mounted on an inner
side of a pneumatic tire, it is imperative that the electronic
device be securely fixed to the pneumatic tire in order to prevent
the electronic device from being displaced from a position for the
mounting by centrifugal force or vibration generated in association
with rotations of the pneumatic tire.
[0004] That is, if the electronic device deviates from the mounting
position, normal measurement or the like utilizing the electronic
device becomes impossible, and not only that, the deviated
electronic device is likely to damage an inner liner, and thereby
becomes a cause of puncture of the tire.
[0005] For example, according to the above described Published
Japanese Translation of a PCT Application No. 2002-50276, a
projection having a zigzag surface shape is provided on an inner
surface of the pneumatic tire Additionally, the electronic device
can be fixed because a locking hole, with which the projection is
locked by being inserted therein, is provided on an
electronic-device housing apparatus which houses the electronic
device.
[0006] Incidentally, it can be considered that the
pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device as described above is mounted,
for so-called aftermarket use, on a pneumatic tire according to
need after the pneumatic tire is manufactured.
[0007] However, there have been the following problems in the above
described technology for mounting a pneumatic-tire-use
electronic-device That is, since the projection is provided on the
inner surface of the pneumatic tire, the projection can be broken
due to contact on such occasions as when the pneumatic tire is
mounted onto a wheel in a case where the pneumatic-tire-use
electronic-device (the electronic-device housing apparatus) is
mounted on the projection.
[0008] Additionally, there has been a problem in the pneumatic tire
provided with the projection, that the projection is easy to break
due to stress concentrates on an attached portion of the projection
to the pneumatic tire. Furthermore, in a case where a fixing
portion, such as the projection, for fixing the pneumatic-tire-use
electronic-device is additionally stuck on an inner surface of the
pneumatic tire after manufacture of the pneumatic tire, there has
been another problem that, since strength of the fixing portion
cannot be sufficiently secured, the fixing portion tends to come
unstuck.
[0009] In response, the present invention was made in consideration
of the above described problems, and an object thereof is to
provide a pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system, a
pneumatic tire and an electronic-device housing apparatus, which
are capable of securely fixing a pneumatic-tire-use electronic
device, and which are also capable of suppressing breakage of a
fixing portion for fixing the pneumatic-tire-use electronic
device.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In order to solve the above described problems, the present
invention has the following characteristics. First of all, a first
characteristic of the present invention is a pneumatic-tire-use
electronic-device fixing system for fixing an electronic device to
be mounted on a pneumatic tire (a pneumatic tire 10). The first
characteristic is summarized in that the pneumatic-tire-use
electronic-device is provided with: an electronic-device housing
apparatus (for example an electronic-device housing apparatus 30),
which houses the electronic device, and which includes an engaging
convex portion (for example, an engaging convex portion 32) that is
convex; and an electronic-device housing apparatus support (for
example, an electronic-device housing apparatus support 12), which
is provided on an inner surface of the pneumatic tire, and which
includes an engaging concave portion (for example, an engaging
concave portion 12sh) that is concave. The first characteristic is
also summarized in that: first pullout suppression means (for
example, projections 32a) which suppresses pullout from the
engaging concave portion is provided on at least a part of a
surface of the engaging convex portion; and second pullout
suppression means (for example, engaging grooves 12g) which engages
with the first pullout suppression means is provided on at least a
part of a surface of the engaging concave portion.
[0011] A second characteristic of the present invention relates to
the first characteristic of the present invention, and is
summarized in that: at least a part of the surface of the engaging
convex portion includes a first zigzag region formed in a zigzag;
and at least a part of the surface of the engaging concave portion
includes a second zigzag region formed in a zigzag, the second
zigzag region engaging with the first zigzag region.
[0012] According to these characteristics, the second pullout
suppression means engaging with the first pullout suppression means
provided on the electronic-device housing apparatus is provided on
at least a part of the surface of the engaging concave portion of
the electronic-device housing apparatus support, whereby the
electronic-device housing apparatus can be securely fixed to the
pneumatic tire.
[0013] According to these characteristics, the electronic-device
housing apparatus support can be a swelling shape such as, for
example, a "pedestal," not a projecting shape, the swelling shape
having an increased contact area with the inner surface of the
pneumatic tire.
[0014] For this reason, even in a case where the electronic device
(the electronic-device housing apparatus) is not mounted on the
electronic-device housing apparatus support, breakage of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support due to contact can be
prevented on such occasions as when the pneumatic tire is mounted
onto a wheel. Additionally, by increasing the contact area of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support, stress against an
attached portion of the electronic-device housing apparatus support
can be dispersed, whereby occurrence of breakage of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support due to the stress can
be reduced.
[0015] That is, according to these characteristics, while the
pneumatic-tire-use electronic device can be securely fixed to the
pneumatic tire, breakage of the electronic-device housing apparatus
support for fixing the pneumatic-tire-use electronic device can be
suppressed.
[0016] A third characteristic of the present invention relates to
any one of the first and second characteristics of the present
invention. The third characteristic is summarized in that: the
engaging convex portion includes a first insertion hole (for
example, an insertion hole 12fh); the engaging concave portion
includes a second insertion hole (an insertion hole 32b)
communicating with the first insertion hole; and the
pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system is further
provided with a lock pin (a lock pin 50) to be inserted into the
first and second insertion holes which have been made to
communicate with each other.
[0017] A fourth characteristic of the present invention relates to
any one of the first to third characteristics of the present
invention. The fourth characteristic is summarized in that the
electronic-device housing apparatus support is a rubber body
provided inside the pneumatic tire inward of an inner liner (an
inner liner 11) of the pneumatic tire.
[0018] A fifth characteristic of the present invention relates to
any one of the first to fourth characteristics of the present
invention. The fifth characteristic is summarized in that the
electronic-device housing apparatus support is provided on the
pneumatic tire in steps of molding and vulcanizing the pneumatic
tire.
[0019] A sixth characteristic of the present invention is a
pneumatic tire including an electronic-device housing apparatus
support which supports an electronic device housing apparatus
having an engaging convex portion that is convex. The sixth
characteristic is summarized in that: the electronic-device housing
apparatus support is provided on an inner surface of the pneumatic
tire, and includes an engaging concave portion that is concave; and
pullout suppression means is provided on at least a part of a
surface of the engaging concave portion, the pullout suppression
means engaging with the engaging convex portion and thereby
suppressing pullout of the engaging convex portion from the
engaging concave portion.
[0020] A seventh characteristic of the present invention relates to
the sixth characteristic of the present invention. The seventh
characteristic is summarized in that at least a part of the surface
of the engaging concave portion includes a zigzag region formed in
a zigzag.
[0021] An eighth characteristic of the present invention relates to
any one of the sixth and seventh characteristics of the present
invention. The eighth characteristic is summarized in that the
electronic-device housing apparatus support is a rubber body
provided inside the pneumatic tire inward of an inner liner of the
pneumatic tire.
[0022] A ninth characteristic of the present invention relates to
any one of the sixth to eighth characteristics of the present
invention. The ninth characteristic is summarized in that the
electronic-device housing apparatus support is provided on the
pneumatic tire in steps of molding and vulcanizing the pneumatic
tire.
[0023] A tenth characteristic of the present invention is an
electronic-device housing apparatus, which is supported by an
electronic-device housing apparatus support including an engaging
concave portion provided on a pneumatic tire, and which houses an
electronic device mounted on the pneumatic tire. The tenth
characteristic is summarized in that: the electronic-device housing
apparatus includes an engaging concave portion that is convex; and
pullout suppression means, which engages with the engaging convex
portion, and which suppresses pullout of the engaging convex
portion from the engaging concave portion, is provided on at least
a part of a surface of the engaging convex portion.
[0024] An eleventh characteristic of the present invention relates
to the tenth characteristic of the present invention, and is
summarized in that at least a part of the surface of the engaging
convex portion includes a first zigzag region formed in a
zigzag.
[0025] A twelfth characteristic of the present invention relates to
any one of the tenth and eleventh characteristics of the present
invention, and is summarized in that: the engaging convex portion
includes a first insertion hole; the engaging concave portion
includes a second insertion hole communicating with the first
insertion hole; and the electronic-device housing apparatus is
fixed by a lock pin inserted into the first insertion hole and
second insertion hole which have been made to communicate with each
other.
[0026] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to
provide a pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system, a
pneumatic tire, and an electronic-device housing apparatus, which
are capable of securely fixing the pneumatic-tire-use electronic
device, and also capable of suppressing breakage of a fixing
portion for fixing a pneumatic-tire-use electronic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic tire in a
widthwise direction of a tread of the pneumatic tire, the pneumatic
tire including an electronic-device housing apparatus support
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a partially transparent front elevational view of
the pneumatic tire according to the embodiment of the present
invention,
[0029] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views respectively of an
electronic-device housing apparatus and a lock pin both according
to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electronic-device
housing apparatus support according to the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams for explaining a
method of fixing an electronic device to the pneumatic tire by use
of a pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system according
to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electronic-device housing
apparatus according to a modified example of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electronic-device housing
apparatus support according to the modified example of the present
invention.
[0034] FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams for explaining a
method of fixing an electronic device to the pneumatic tire by use
of a pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system according
to the modified example of the present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively a side view and a plan view
of an electronic-device housing apparatus according to another
modified example of the present invention.
[0036] FIGS. 10A to 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining
steps of providing the electronic-device housing apparatus support
according to the embodiment of the present invention to the
pneumatic tire.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electronic-device
housing apparatus according to still another modified example of
the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(Configuration of Pneumatic-Tire-Use Electronic Device Fixing
System According to the Present Embodiment)
[0038] Hereinafter, one example of an embodiment of a
pneumatic-tire-use electronic device fixing system according to the
present embodiment will be described with reference to the
drawings. Note that, in the following description on the drawings,
the same or similar reference numerals are respectively attached to
same or similar elements. However, it should be noted that the
drawings are schematic, and that ratios of some measurements to
others, and the like, are not to scale. Therefore, specific
measurements should be judged in consideration of the following
description. Additionally, it goes without saying that the drawings
include parts whose relations and ratios are different from each
other.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic tire 10 on
which an electronic-device housing apparatus support 12
constituting the pneumatic-tire-use electronic device fixing system
according to the present embodiment is provided, the
cross-sectional view being taken in a widthwise direction of a
tread thereof. Note that, in the present embodiment, the
pneumatic-tire-use electronic device fixing system is constituted
of an electronic-device housing apparatus 30 and a lock pin 50,
both of which will be described later, in addition to the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12.
[0040] Additionally, a pneumatic-tire-use electronic device
corresponds to, for example: a sensor which measures an internal
pressure, an internal temperature, and the like of the pneumatic
tire 10, and transmits a result of the measurement to a vehicle via
radio communications; an IC chip storing, for example, information
on management by a manufacturer of the pneumatic tire; or the
like.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, on an inner surface of the pneumatic
tire 10 according to the present invention, an inner liner 11 which
is a rubber layer preventing penetration of pressurized air filled
in the pneumatic tire 10 is provided.
[0042] Additionally, within the inner surface of the pneumatic tire
10 according to the present invention, the electronic-device
housing apparatus support 12 which supports the later described
electronic-device housing apparatus 30 is provided on a central
portion of a back side of the tread.
[0043] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 is provided inside
the pneumatic tire 10 inward of the inner liner 11. That is, the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 is covered with the
inner liner 11.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a partially transparent front elevational view of
the pneumatic tire 10 according to the present invention. As shown
in this drawing, on a periphery of the inner surface of the
pneumatic tire 10, the electronic-device housing apparatus supports
12 are provided respectively in four locations with substantially
regular intervals.
[0045] Note that locations for the electronic-device housing
apparatus supports 12 are not limited to four locations, and may
be, for example, two locations, or eight locations. Additionally,
in view of securing balance of the pneumatic tire when the
pneumatic tire is rotating, it is preferable that distances between
adjacent two of the respective electronic-device housing apparatus
supports 12 on the circumference of the inner surface of the
pneumatic tire 10 be equal.
[0046] Next, structures of the electronic-device housing apparatus
support 12, the electronic-device housing apparatus 30 and the lock
pin 50, which constitute the pneumatic-tire-use electronic device
fixing system according to the present embodiment, will be
described.
(1) Electric-Device Housing Apparatus:
[0047] First of all, the structure of the electronic-device housing
apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the electronic-device housing
apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this
drawing, the electronic-device housing apparatus 30 includes an
electronic-device housing portion 31, and an engaging convex
portion 32.
[0048] The electronic-device housing portion 31 houses an
electronic device, such as: a sensor, which measures an internal
pressure and an internal temperature of the pneumatic tire 10, and
which transmits a result of the measurement to a vehicle via radio
communications; or an IC chip which stores information on
management by a manufacturer of the pneumatic tire, and the like.
Note that a volume of the electronic-device housing portion 31 can
be changed as appropriate in accordance with a size of the
electronic device intended to be housed therein.
[0049] The engaging convex portion 32 is formed in a convex shape,
and is configured to be inserted into an engaging concave portion
12sh (refer to FIG. 4) provided in the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12. Additionally, projections 32a (first pullout
suppression means) which suppress pullout from the engaging concave
portion 12sh are provided on a surface of the engaging convex
portion 32, whereby zigzag regions are formed on the engaging
convex portion 32.
[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the projections 32a
has a shape which forms an acute angle to a direction in which the
engaging convex portion 32 is pulled out. Thereby, the engaging
convex portion 32, i.e., the electronic-device housing apparatus 30
is configured not to be easily pulled out from the engaging concave
portion 12sh although the engaging convex portion 32 on which the
projections 32a are provided is configured to be easily inserted
into the engaging concave portion 12sh (refer to FIGS. 3A, 5B and
5C).
[0051] Additionally, the engaging convex portion 32 includes an
insertion hole 32b (a first insertion hole). The later described
lock pin 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 32b.
[0052] Note that the same rubber-based material as the one used for
the electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 can be used as a
material for the engaging convex portion 32.
(2) Lock Pin:
[0053] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the lock pin 50 according
to the present embodiment. As shown in this drawing, the lock pin
50 includes a tapering end portion 51, a shaft portion 52, and a
locking portion 53.
[0054] The lock pin 50 is inserted into an insertion hole 12fh
(refer to FIG. 4) and the insertion hole 32b which have been made
to communicate with each other by having the electronic-device
housing apparatus 30 (the engaging convex portion 32) inserted into
the electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 (the engaging
concave portion 12sh).
[0055] While having a front end tapering, the tapering end portion
51 has a rear end, which abuts the shaft portion 52, having a width
wider than a diameter of the shaft portion 52. Additionally,
diameters of the insertion hole 12fh and the insertion hole 32b are
substantially equal to the diameter of the shaft portion 52. That
is, the lock pin 50 has a structure which makes it unable to be
pulled out once it is inserted into the insertion hole 12fh and the
insertion hole 32b.
[0056] The locking portion 53 is configured to lock the shaft
portion 52 into which the insertion hole 12fh and the insertion
hole 32b, and thereby prevent the shaft portion 52 from coming out
of the insertion hole 12fh and the insertion hole 32b.
[0057] Note that, for example, plastic can be used as a material
for the lock pin 50.
(3) Electric-Device Housing Apparatus Support:
[0058] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electronic-device
housing apparatus support 12 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in this drawing, the electronic-device housing apparatus
support 12 has a "pedestal"-like shape formed in a truncated
cone.
[0059] The engaging concave portion 12sh is formed in a concave
shape, and is configured to have the engaging convex portion 32,
which is provided to the electronic-device housing apparatus 30,
inserted therein.
[0060] Additionally, the electronic-device housing apparatus
support 12 includes the insertion hole 12fh (a second insertion
hole) communicating with the insertion hole 32b provided in the
engaging convex portion 32. The lock pin 50 is inserted into the
insertion hole 12fh as described above.
[0061] Additionally, the electronic-device housing apparatus
support 12 is provided inside the pneumatic tire 10 inward of the
inner liner 11, and is formed of a rubber body in the present
embodiment. Note that the electronic-device housing apparatus
support 12 may be formed of the inner liner 11 itself.
[0062] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 is provided on the
pneumatic tire 10 in steps of molding and vulcanizing the pneumatic
tire 10. FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams respectively
for explaining states where the electronic-device housing apparatus
support 12 is provided on the pneumatic tire 10 in the steps of
molding and vulcanizing the pneumatic tire 10.
[0063] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the electronic-device
housing apparatus support 12, the cross-sectional view showing a
state where the rubber body constituting the electronic-device
housing apparatus support 12 is provided, in the step of molding
the pneumatic tire 10, inside the pneumatic tire 10 in a radial
direction thereof inward of the inner liner 11.
[0064] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic-device
housing apparatus support 12 after the pneumatic tire 10 has been
vulcanized. As shown in this FIG. 10B, the engaging concave portion
12sh is provided in the step of vulcanizing the pneumatic tire
10.
(Method of Fixing Electronic Device to Pneumatic Tire)
[0065] By referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C, a method of fixing an
electronic device to a pneumatic tire by use of the above described
pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system will be
described.
[0066] FIG. 5A shows a plan view of the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12. As shown in this FIG. 5A, the engaging
concave portion 12sh is provided substantially in the center of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12.
[0067] Additionally, as shown in this FIG. 5A, the insertion hole
12fh penetrate the electronic-device housing apparatus support is
12 in a manner passing through the center of the electronic-device
housing apparatus support 12.
[0068] FIG. 5B shows a side view of the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12 when viewed in a direction of an arrow A shown
in FIG. 5A. Additionally, FIG. 5B shows a state where, while the
electronic-device housing apparatus 30 is being inserted into the
engaging concave portion 12sh, the lock pin 50 is being inserted
into the insertion hole 12fh.
[0069] As shown in this FIG. 5B, engaging grooves 12g (second
pullout suppression means) engaging with the respective projections
32a are provided on an inner surface of the engaging concave
portion 12sh, whereby zigzag regions are formed on the engaging
concave portion 12sh. As shown in this FIG. 5B, the lock pin 50 is
inserted into both of the insertion hole 12fh provided in the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12, and the insertion
hole 32b provided in the engaging convex portion 32 of the
electronic-device housing apparatus 30.
[0070] FIG. 5C shows a side view of the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12 when viewed in a direction of an arrow B shown
in FIG. 5A. Additionally, FIG. 5C shows a state where, while the
electronic-device housing apparatus 30 is being inserted into the
engaging concave portion 12sh, the lock pin 50 is being inserted
into the insertion hole 12fh.
(Functions and Effects)
[0071] According to the pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing
system according to the above described present embodiment, the
second pullout suppression means (the engaging grooves 12g) for
engaging with the first pullout suppression means (the projections
32a) provided on the electronic-device housing apparatus 30 is
provided on at least a part of the surface of the engaging concave
portion 12sh of the electronic-device housing apparatus support 12,
whereby the electronic-device housing apparatus 30 can be securely
fixed to the pneumatic tire 10.
[0072] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 provided on the
inner surface of the pneumatic tire 10 can be formed in a
"pedestal"-like shape, not a projecting shape, the "pedestal"-like
shape having an increased contact area with the inner surface of
the pneumatic tire 10.
[0073] For this reason, even in a case where the electronic device
(the electronic-device housing apparatus 30) is not mounted on the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12, breakage of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 due to contact can
be prevented on such occasions as when the pneumatic tire 10 is
mounted onto a wheel. Additionally, by increasing the contact area
of the electronic-device housing apparatus support 12, stress on an
attached portion of the electronic-device housing apparatus support
12 can be dispersed, whereby breakage of the electronic-device
housing apparatus support 12 due to the stress can be reduced.
[0074] That is, according to these characteristics, while the
pneumatic-tire-use electronic device can be securely fixed to the
pneumatic tire, breakage of the electronic-device housing apparatus
support 12 for fixing the pneumatic-tire-use electronic device can
be suppressed.
[0075] Additionally, according to the present embodiment, the lock
pin 50 is inserted into both of the insertion hole 32b provided in
the electronic-device housing apparatus 30, and the insertion hole
12fh provided in the electronic-device housing apparatus support
12, whereby the electronic-device housing apparatus 30 and the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 can be more securely
fixed to each other.
[0076] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 is a rubber body
provided inside the pneumatic tire 10 inward of the inner liner 11,
the electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 can be provided
on the pneumatic tire 10 in the steps of molding and vulcanizing
the pneumatic tire 10. For this reason, it is possible to avoid
work of additionally sticking the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12 after manufacturing the pneumatic tire 10.
[0077] Additionally, according to the present embodiment, since the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 and the pneumatic
tire 10 are integrally molded in the steps of molding and
vulcanizing the pneumatic tire 10, the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12 can be prevented from coming unstuck from the
inner surface of the pneumatic tire 10 while sufficient strength of
the electronic-device housing apparatus support 12 can be
secured.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 1
[0078] As described above, although contents of the present
invention have been disclosed by describing one embodiment of the
present invention, it should not be understood that the present
invention is limited by the descriptions and the drawings
constituting a part of this disclosure. By this disclosure, various
alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will
be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0079] For example, the present invention can be modified in the
following manner. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an
electronic-device housing apparatus 40 according to a modified
example of the present invention. Hereinafter, parts different from
the foregoing pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device fixing system
according to the present invention will be mainly described.
[0080] As shown in this drawing, the electronic-device housing
apparatus 40 includes an electronic-device housing portion 41, and
an engaging convex portion 42.
[0081] As in the case of the above described electronic-device
housing portion 31, the electronic-device housing portion 41 houses
an electronic device such as: a sensor which measures an internal
pressure and an internal temperature of the pneumatic tire 10, and
which transmits a result of the measurement to a vehicle via radio
communications; or an IC chip, which stores information on
management by a manufacturer of the pneumatic tire, and the
like.
[0082] The engaging convex portion 42 is formed in a convex shape,
and is configured to be inserted into an engaging concave portion
13sh (refer to FIG. 7) provided in a later described
electronic-device housing apparatus support 13.
[0083] Additionally, projections 42a (first pullout suppression
means) which suppress pullout from the engaging concave portion
13sh are provided on a surface of the engaging convex portion
42.
[0084] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each of the
projections 42a has a shape which forms an acute angle to a
direction in which the engaging convex portion 42 is pulled out.
Thereby, the engaging convex portion 42, i.e., the
electronic-device housing apparatus 40 is configured not to be
easily pulled out from the engaging concave portion 13sh although
the engaging convex portion 42 on which the projections 42a are
provided is configured to be easily inserted into the engaging
concave portion 13sh (refer to FIGS. 6 and 8B).
[0085] Additionally, the engaging convex portion 42 includes an
insertion hole 42b (a first insertion hole). The above described
lock pin 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 42b.
[0086] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electronic-device
housing apparatus support 13 according to the modified example of
the present invention. As shown in this drawing, the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 13 has a
"pedestal"-like shape formed in a truncated pyramid.
[0087] The engaging concave portion 13sh is formed in a concave
shape, and is configured to have the engaging convex portion 42,
which is provided in the electronic-device housing apparatus 40,
inserted therein.
[0088] Additionally, the electronic-device housing apparatus
support 13 includes an insertion hole 13fh (a second insertion
hole) communicating with the insertion hole 42b provided in the
engaging convex portion 42. The lock pin 50 is inserted into the
insertion hole 13fh as described above.
[0089] FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory diagrams for explaining a
method of fixing the electronic device to the pneumatic tire 10 by
use of the electronic-device housing apparatus support 13, the
electronic-device housing apparatus 40 and the lock pin 50, which
have been described above.
[0090] Note that a description for FIGS. 8A to 8C will be omitted
because FIGS. 8A to 8C are the substantially same as the method,
which is shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, of fixing the electronic device
to the pneumatic tire 10 by use of the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12, the electronic-device housing apparatus 30
and the lock pin 50 according to the embodiment of the present
invention.
[0091] Note that, as shown in FIG. 8B, the engaging grooves 13g
(second pullout suppressing mean) engaging with the projections 42a
are provided on a surface of the engaging concave portion 13sh.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 2
[0092] Additionally, not merely limited to the above described
modified example, the present invention may be modified as follows.
FIG. 9A is a side view of an electronic-device housing apparatus
support 12A according to another modified example of the present
invention. Additionally, FIG. 9B is a plan view of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12A.
[0093] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12A has the similar external shape to that of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12. On the other hand,
a peripheral portion of an engaging concave portion 12Ash of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12A is formed of a
rigid body more rigid than a rubber body forming a part of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support 12A other than the
aforementioned periphery.
[0094] Specifically, the periphery of the engaging concave portion
12Ash is formed of a plastic member 12p, which is more rigid than
the rubber body.
[0095] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 9B, the plastic member 12p
has a shape of a truncated cone in which a top-portion
circumference 12pt is shorter than a base-portion circumference
12pb.
[0096] According to this modified example, the peripheral portion
of the engaging concave portion of the electronic-device housing
apparatus support 12A is formed of the rigid body more rigid than
the rubber, whereby the engaging convex portion 32 of the
electronic-device housing apparatus 30 can be more surely fixed
while excessive stress is prevented from being applied to the inner
line 11 neighboring the engaging concave portion 12Ash.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE 3
[0097] Additionally, not merely limited to the above described
modified examples, the present invention may be modified as
follows. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electronic-device
housing apparatus 60 according to Modified Example 1 shown in FIG.
6.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 11, the electronic-device housing apparatus
60 includes an electronic-device housing portion 61 as and an
engaging convex portion 62.
[0099] As in the case of the above described electronic-device
housing portion 31, the electronic-device housing portion 61 houses
an electronic device such as: a sensor, which measures an internal
pressure and an internal temperature of the pneumatic tire 10, and
which transmits a result of the measurement to a vehicle via radio
communications; or an IC chip which stores information on
management by a manufacturer of the pneumatic tire, and the
like.
[0100] The engaging convex portion 62 is formed in a convex shape,
and is configured to be inserted into an engaging concave portion
provided in an electronic-device housing apparatus support (not
illustrated).
[0101] Additionally, notches 52a (first pullout suppression means)
which suppress pullout from the engaging concave portion of the
electronic-device housing apparatus support are provided on a
surface of the engaging convex portion 62.
[0102] Additionally, the engaging convex portion 62 includes an
insertion hole 62b (a first insertion hole). The lock pin 50 is
inserted into the insertion hole 62b.
[0103] Thus, it goes without saying that the present invention
includes various embodiments and the like which are not described
herein. Accordingly, a technical scope of the present invention is
defined only by invention specifications according to the scope of
claims, the invention specifications being appropriate based on the
above descriptions.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0104] As described above, the pneumatic-tire-use electronic-device
fixing system according to the present invention is useful in
techniques of manufacturing pneumatic-tire-use electronic devices
because it makes it possible to securely fix a pneumatic-tire-use
electronic device while making it possible to suppress breakage of
a fixing portion for fixing the pneumatic-tire-use electronic
device.
* * * * *